Mike Pinder, Moody Blues Co-Founder, Dies at 82
Mike Pinder, keyboardist and co-founder of the Moody Blues, has died. He was 82.
Pinder’s death was confirmed in identical statements from Pinder’s family shared by both the Moody Blues and John Lodge’s Facebook pages. The statement reads, “Michael Thomas Pinder died on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at his home in Northern California, surrounded by his devoted family. Michael’s family would like to share with his trusted friends and caring fans that he passed peacefully.”
The statement continued, “His final days were filled with music, encircled by the love of his family. Michael lived his life with a childlike wonder, walking a deeply introspective path which fused the mind and the heart.”
The statement concluded, “He created his music and the message he shared with the world from this spiritually grounded place; as he always said, ‘Keep your head above the clouds, but keep your feet on the ground.’ His authentic essence lifted up everyone who came into contact with him. His lyrics, philosophy, and vision of humanity and our place in the cosmos will touch generations to come.”
Pinder was the last surviving founding member of the Moody Blues. Original guitarist Denny Laine died in 2023 at age 79. Meanwhile, drummer Graeme Edge died in 2021 at age 80.
Looking Back on the Moody Blues Being Inducted into the Rock Hall
The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. They were one of a number of inductees in recent years who were finally inducted after being eligible for decades. In fact, the U.K. band had been eligible since 1990 for induction.
Ann Wilson of Heart did the honors of inducting the Moody Blues.
Backstage at the 2018 Rock Hall induction ceremony, Wilson said she campaigned the Rock Hall to induct the band saying, “I wrote a letter asking if I could induct them … When I was 16 and they released ‘Days of Future Passed’ in 1967, that was the album that really hit home in my soul, and I kept on listening. Their music had great melodies, fantastic poetry, great playing, philosophy, metaphysics. All of those things meant a lot to me then. Justin Hayward’s songwriting was the thing that inspired me to start writing songs. I just think they’re a fantastic band that has it all.”
Justin Hayward said in comments backstage how much the band’s loyal fans wanted them to be recognized by the Rock Hall. He said, “I think it’s validated the music that they love. They’ve given us a wonderful 50 years in music. They mean everything to us. We knew once they opened the door to our fans, it was going to be a steamroller and that they were going to take that opportunity.”
The Moody Blues’ performance during the induction ceremony included “Your Wildest Dreams,” “Nights in White Satin” and “Late Lament.”
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